PASSENGERS are braced for disruption as a Dorset railway line is closed for a whole week for track replacement work.
From Monday, September 23 to Sunday, September 29, buses will be running between Weymouth and Castle Cary on the Bristol line run by Great Western Railway (GWR).
During this time, Network Rail engineers will be replacing just under a mile's worth of track, north of Thornford, near Sherborne.
Engineers will also be making improvement works to the junctions either side of Maiden Newton station, where the two tracks merge into one.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “The track we are replacing is over fifty years old and worn out, making it more prone to defects and faults.
"This essential engineering work will improve the railway between Weymouth and Castle Cary, allowing passengers to enjoy smoother and more reliable journeys.
“Longer single closures such as this one allows us to best manage our resources and complete a greater amount of work compared to working over multiple weekends, which is also more disruptive to passengers.
“We’re sorry to any passengers whose journeys are disrupted and thank them for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Fast buses will be running between Weymouth and Castle Cary - calling at Dorchester West and Yeovil Pen Mill - while stopping buses will call at all stations.
Passengers travelling between Weymouth and Dorchester will be able to use South Western Railway (SWR) services to Dorchester South. SWR will also be accepting Great Western Railway (GWR) tickets where appropriate.
Engineering work is also due to take place on Sunday, September 22 between Dorchester West and Weymouth.
A replacement bus service will run non-stop between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth.
Passengers travelling between Thornford, Yetminster, Chetnole and Maiden Newton are advised to use the replacement bus service that runs between Dorchester South and Weymouth, calling at Upwey.
Passengers can then make their own way (approximately half a mile) between Dorchester South and Dorchester West stations to connect with the GWR service.
Jordan Welsby, GWR station manager for Westbury, Wiltshire and Dorset, said: “This improvement work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
"It’s important customers understand these alternative arrangements will make their normal journey times much longer, so do please check before you travel.”
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